Kodak Ultra Color 400 (400UC)

Where did you hear that 100UC is the exact same film as Portra 400UC?

They are not the same speed, so unless the 400 speed film is dyed back to 100 speed, there is no way at all that they are the same.

Ron Mowrey

No no no- I was just saying that both 400UC and 100UC are now out ("as with 100UC"). I was not saying 100UC is the same film as Portra 400UC. All I want to know if anyone has used the new 400UC and if they've noticed its the same film as the old stuff.

It's a 200 iso film. It overexposes pretty easily.

People are misunderstanding Scott. He's asking if Portra 400UC and Ultra Color (UC)400 are identical emulsions.

I can't confirm that they are, Scott, but according to Kodak reps, they are. I'll believe them. They'd be pretty stupid to get rid of a great AND successful film, rework it, release something that sounds almost exactly like it, claim it's the same...but actually release something different.

Yes Chris you are correct. :) I know Kodak says its the same emulsion. I just want confirmation from someone whos actually used the new stuff as well as the old. Its hard to trust Kodak at their word sometimes.

They may use the same emulsions, but there are other changes between the films probably. EK does not just rename products keeping them identical.

The Portra in front of that name indicates some difference in product. It may be as simple as different support, in which case there should be no real difference, but it may be as profound as keeping, reciprocity, latent image stability, interimage or color differences, color balance, contrast, etc.

Same emulsion, different results.

You have to test it out for yourself to have a definitive answer.

Ron Mowrey

EK does not just rename products keeping them identical.

Really? What about High Definition 400, which even Kodak readily admits is the final version of Royal Gold 400 in a new box. Or, going back further, Royal Gold 100 which was formerly called Ektar 100.

Kodak's marketeers may think they have good reason to encourage all the speculation about the provenance of Ultra Color 400 (e.g., the discussion here certainly generates a lot of free advertising). But it does anger customers who have only recently become familiar with the characteristics of Portra 400UC, and after a bit more than a year now have to spend more time getting to know a "new" film that may or may not be the same. It's an additional insult to users of Supra 400 who were "encouraged" to switch to Portra 400UC last year after Kodak discontinued Supra, and now have to switch again.

The fact that Portra 400UC is still sold in Europe and Asia suggests that it's the same as the Ultra Color 400 sold in North America and Japan, but there's still enough doubt to confuse and upset customers. It may or may not be significant that B&H sells USAW Portra 400UC for the same price as USA Ultra Color 400.

None of this confusion inspires confidence in Kodak, especially when Fuji and digital are such aggressive competition.

First off, there won't be a significant hole between the time UC runs out and the new one comes in. It may be already in stores. So, why worry? Secondly... what's the relation between the fact that it is (or not) the same film and stocking up? Do you like it? Then stock up... it's that simple. Moreover, be sure that the next one won't be cheaper... so there's one more reason to stock up (if you do like it). Here in Canada, all dealers that still have the 2x36 pack of UC are selling them for $9.99. That's $7.50 US for two rolls of the (old) amazing stuff :)

It basically breaks down to how much Im going to need to buy at this time. I need to do some shoots which may require it, but I don't really want to get more then I need at this time. If it does turn out to be different, then I need to buy many extra rolls for future use and put them in the freezer. If its the same film, then I can give my freezer a rest and buy only what I'll need at the time. That simple.